“Uncle Samsik” Review: Song Kang-ho’s TV Debut Merges Politics and Drama in Post-War Seoul

After nearly three decades in cinema, acclaimed Korean actor Song Kang-ho (famous for “Parasite”) makes his much-anticipated television debut in the political drama series “Uncle Samsik.” Available on Disney+, this lavish production brings post-Korean-war Seoul to life, a period rarely explored in contemporary screen portrayals.

In “Uncle Samsik,” Song Kang-ho embodies Park Doo-sik, a cunning and influential figure who adeptly navigates the murky intersections of the criminal underworld and political landscapes. Known affectionately by his moniker—which translates to “three meals a day,” a nod to his wartime efforts to feed the hungry—Doo-sik is a character of complex morality, loved for ensuring no one goes hungry under his watch.

The series also stars Byun Yo-han as Kim San, a visionary civil servant committed to transforming South Korea into a modern industrial nation. Engaged to Joo Ye-jin, played by Jin Ki-joo, San finds himself torn between his ambitious national redevelopment plan and his personal life, particularly as his fiancée’s father is a key figure in the upcoming presidential elections.

Doo-sik, aligned with the conservative party and a powerful business coalition, sees potential in San during a campaign rally. He attempts to recruit San, promising to make his vision a reality. However, San faces a heart-wrenching choice between his career aspirations and his relationship.

The narrative deepens as Doo-sik’s connections with a power-hungry assemblyman, Kang Seong-min (portrayed by Lee Kyu-hyung), draw him into a dangerous plot involving a cover-up of a past assassination. This forces Doo-sik to activate his secret plans, adding layers of intrigue and suspense to the plot.

“Uncle Samsik” marks the third consecutive collaboration between Song Kang-ho and director-writer Shin Yeon-shick, following their projects “One Win” and “Cobweb.” Shin, previously known for his literary indie films, infuses “Uncle Samsik” with a similar narrative depth, exploring the complex political and social dynamics of South Korea’s tumultuous early modern period.

The show creatively uses food metaphors, like pizza, to symbolize American influence and the dreams of abundance, connecting Doo-sik’s opportunistic worldview with San’s idealism. Flash-forward scenes to 1960, amidst a coup d’état, add a reflective layer to the series, pondering the forces shaping individual destinies and national politics.

Despite its ambitious scope and historical significance, “Uncle Samsik” sometimes struggles with pacing and depth, particularly in its treatment of female characters, who are relegated to conventional roles. Nonetheless, the series offers a compelling look at the formation of modern Korea through the lens of its complex characters.

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